Question

When counselling a patient about the use of tacrolimus or pimecorlimus, you mention that

A. this is the preffered atopic dermatitis treatment in infants
B. there is a probably of increased cancer risk with its use
C. the product is used interchangeably with topical corticosteroids
D. the product is a potent antihistamine

Answer 1

Tacrolimus and pimecrolimus are topical immunomodulators for atopic dermatitis treatment, typically used when topical corticosteroids are unsuitable and not known to be potent antihistamines or the preferred initial treatment in infants.

Step-by-step explanation:

When counseling a patient about the use of tacrolimus or pimecrolimus, it is important to consider that these medications are topical immunomodulators frequently used in the treatment of atopic dermatitis. These drugs are not the preferred initial treatment in infants, and their potential for cancer risk, while discussed in the past, has not been clearly proven. Rather, they are typically used when topical corticosteroids, which are another treatment option for atopic dermatitis, are ineffective or not suitable due to their side effects. Tacrolimus and pimecrolimus work by inhibiting calcineurin, thereby reducing inflammatory cytokine production from T-cells. This class of medication does not have antihistamine properties; antihistamines are generally used to treat allergic reactions by blocking the action of histamine rather than modulating the immune response.